This summer I had the immense pleasure of thrifting all over the country (a.k.a. THE DREAM). Starting in L.A., three friends and I worked our way to the east coast in our beat-up Volvo wagon (one of two cars we bought during the trip...UGH), stuffed to the gills with found treasures. Arizona proved especially fortuitous for our hunting and I'd score a dope mustard linen jacket/skirt set here, a pair of navy velvet heels there, but nothing compared to the one single best find of the whole trip I scored in Burlington, Vermont. Enter: Rackk & Ruin Jewelry and Vintage. It was in that hallowed building that I found the perfect pair of red, wide leg, high-waisted pants.

Please, contain your excitement.

While I know most people don't daydream of the perfect wide-leg pants - I DO (no judgments, people, this is a safe space). I'm such a pant fiend and an avid believer that the right pair of effortless pantaloons can really take any outfit to the next level. Below, because a woman in love does crazy things, I've styled up my beloved pants three different ways in case you ever find yourself in the crosshairs of your own dream pair.

Look 1: Casual day at the marina for a ribbon cutting for the newest addition to your fleet of jet-skis

So you want to look fancy but not too try-hard, huh? Well, throw on a casual striped sweater to tuck into your tomato pants. It's a casual event (it's just jet-skis now, but you're working your way to your first fishing boat), so heels aren't necessarily a requirement but you keep your footwork fancy with a pair of clear plastic oxfords. Your stripes scream seasoned sailor and your earrings call for cocktails. S.S.BADASS, here you come!

Your pants and shoes beg for MORE MARINARA, your earrings match the fancy tassels that hold the theatre curtains back, and your blouse allows for extra pasta primavera + popcorn. It's an odd combination for an evening out but you're a theme dresser to your core, love a challenge, and know that everything you're wearing is machine washable should your pasta zeal overflow.

Look 2: Doo.Ri top, vintage pants, earrings, bracelets and heels

Look 3: Charter Citizen of Slouch City, USA

So you have an allergy to tight clothes and minis? Come one, come all to Slouch City! Here we wear long layers of minimal decoration and maximal proportions. Insouciant attitude a must, neck exposure optional.

Seriously, check out Rackk&Ruin for an impeccable curation of vintage clothing or for her very cool line of jewelry she makes in her bright and beautiful studio. These pants have changed the game, thanks Molly!